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5 Shocking Revelations In Tom Hanks' Daughter E.A. Hanks' Candid Memoir, 'The 10'

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The world of Hollywood royalty is often perceived as one of glamour and privilege, but a recent, candid memoir from one of its own is shattering that illusion. Elizabeth Anne Hanks, famously known as E.A. Hanks, the daughter of legendary actor Tom Hanks and his late first wife, Samantha Lewes, has released her book, *The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road*. As of this writing in December 2025, the book continues to generate significant buzz for its raw, unflinching look at a childhood marked by complexity, trauma, and a quest for identity, offering a perspective far removed from the red carpet spotlight.

The memoir’s release has prompted a renewed public discussion about the hidden struggles of celebrity offspring and the enduring legacy of a complicated family history. E.A. Hanks, now 42, delves into deeply personal territory, revealing details about her early life that many found "bombshell" and unexpected, especially concerning the period following her parents' divorce. The book has also drawn a surprisingly supportive and candid response from her Academy Award-winning father, Tom Hanks, who addressed the claims publicly.

Elizabeth Anne 'E.A.' Hanks: A Biographical Profile

E.A. Hanks, or Elizabeth Anne Hanks, is the only daughter of actor Tom Hanks and his first wife, the late actress and producer Samantha Lewes (born Susan Dillingham).

  • Full Name: Elizabeth Anne Hanks (E.A. Hanks).
  • Age: 42 years old (as per recent reports).
  • Parents: Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes (Susan Dillingham).
  • Sibling: She has one older full brother, actor Colin Hanks. She also has two half-brothers, Chester "Chet" Hanks and Truman Hanks, from her father’s second marriage to Rita Wilson.
  • Mother's Passing: Samantha Lewes passed away in 2002 after a battle with bone cancer.
  • Career: E.A. Hanks is an author, writer, and editor. She has written for publications such as *The New York Times* and *The Guardian*. She has also worked as an actress, appearing in films like *Forrest Gump* (1994) and *That Thing You Do!* (1996), directed by her father.
  • Memoir: *The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road*.

The Shocking Claims: Violence, Deprivation, and Mental Illness

The core of E.A. Hanks' memoir lies in her painful recounting of her childhood following the 1987 divorce of her parents, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes. The narrative paints a stark picture of her life with her mother, which deviated dramatically from the public's perception of the Hanks family dynamic.

1. Allegations of Emotional and Physical Abuse

In one of the most difficult sections of the book, E.A. Hanks makes a raft of allegations relating to childhood "violence". She details an environment where she and her brother, Colin Hanks, were allegedly subjected to emotionally and physically abusive behavior from their mother, Samantha Lewes. This revelation is a stark contrast to the often-idealized image of celebrity families.

2. A Childhood of 'Deprivation'

The author also describes a period of "deprivation" following the divorce, suggesting a significant struggle with financial and emotional stability. This was particularly poignant given her father, Tom Hanks, was rapidly ascending to global superstardom during the same period. The memoir explores the emotional whiplash of living between two vastly different worlds: the chaos and instability with her mother, and the burgeoning fame of her father.

3. Mother's Mental Health Struggles

A central theme of *The 10* is E.A. Hanks' effort to understand the mysteries of her mother’s past and her subsequent mental illness. The memoir is an attempt to explore the roots of Susan Dillingham’s (Samantha Lewes's) struggles, which E.A. believes contributed to the turbulent environment of her early life. This exploration is a deeply personal journey into the complexities of family identity and inherited trauma.

The Quest for Identity: The Journey of 'The 10'

The memoir’s title, *The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road*, is a direct reference to a pivotal experience in E.A. Hanks' life. The book recounts a six-month journey the author undertook along Interstate 10, which stretches from California to Florida.

Recreating a Childhood Road Trip

This road trip was not merely a physical journey; it was a psychological and emotional one, undertaken to better understand her late mother, Samantha Lewes. The Interstate 10 highway served as a symbolic path, retracing the steps and exploring the geographical and emotional landscapes of her mother's life. The memoir is structured around this quest, blending past memories with present-day reflections on family history, roots, and the elusive nature of a stable identity.

The Search for a Lost Past

For E.A. Hanks, the memoir functions as a tool for recreating and understanding a childhood that felt fractured. By investigating her mother’s background and the circumstances that led to her parents’ divorce, she attempts to put the pieces of her own life together. This intense focus on family secrets and the legacy of mental illness provides a powerful narrative on the universal struggle to reconcile with parental flaws and find peace with one's origins. The book is a testament to the author’s resilience and her commitment to uncovering the full, unvarnished truth of her upbringing, regardless of the celebrity context.

Tom Hanks' Candid and Supportive Response to the Memoir

Following the release of *The 10* and the subsequent media coverage of its "bombshell" claims, the public eagerly awaited a response from Tom Hanks. The beloved actor did not shy away from the conversation, offering a surprisingly candid and supportive statement about his daughter's work.

'Not Surprised' by the Revelations

In his public comments, Tom Hanks stated that he was "not surprised" by the revelations contained within his daughter's memoir. This reaction was interpreted by many as an acknowledgment of the difficult truths E.A. Hanks presented about her childhood with her mother, Samantha Lewes. His acceptance of the narrative lends significant weight to E.A.'s deeply personal account of emotional hardship and family dysfunction.

Calling His Daughter a 'Knockout'

Beyond simply confirming the difficult nature of the past, Tom Hanks was effusive in his praise for his daughter. He called E.A. Hanks a "knockout," a term of endearment that underscores his pride in her courage and her literary achievement. This public endorsement of the memoir, despite its painful content, highlights a strong, enduring bond between the father and his daughter. The actor’s response served to validate E.A.'s experience and shift the focus from a potential scandal to a story of a family navigating complex, real-world issues.

The memoir also includes a poignant anecdote where E.A. Hanks recalls seeing her father "truly afraid" for the first time, a moment of vulnerability that reveals the depth of their relationship beyond the public eye. This inclusion further humanizes the Hollywood icon, showcasing the private fears and struggles that even global superstars face when dealing with family crises and the welfare of their children, Colin and Elizabeth.

Ultimately, *The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road* is more than just a celebrity tell-all; it is a profound exploration of family legacy, mental illness, and the difficult process of self-discovery. E.A. Hanks has used her unique platform to tell a universal story about finding truth and identity amidst a complicated and often painful past. The book stands as a powerful piece of topical authority on the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the journey toward healing.

5 Shocking Revelations In Tom Hanks' Daughter E.A. Hanks' Candid Memoir, 'The 10'
tom hanks' daughter memoir
tom hanks' daughter memoir

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